August 10, 2025 – In a recent update, Greg Street, the head of Fantastic Pixel Castle, shared critical news regarding the future of their anticipated MMO, Ghost. The studio’s publishing agreement with NetEase Games is nearing its conclusion, raising concerns about the project’s viability. Street, known for his pivotal role as the lead systems designer for World of Warcraft, emphasized the urgency of securing a new publisher to avoid the potential closure of the studio and its talented team of industry veterans from Blizzard and Riot Games.
The Current Landscape
Nearly two months have passed since the gaming community was treated to an in-depth demonstration of Ghost. Despite its early development stage, the impressive credentials of the Fantastic Pixel Castle team have generated significant interest. However, Street candidly acknowledged the monumental task ahead, stating that creating a competitive MMORPG is no small feat, particularly when vying against established giants like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and Guild Wars 2.
Street’s announcement reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where securing publishing deals has become increasingly challenging. “I wanted to share the news that Fantastic Pixel Castle’s time as a first-party studio within NetEase Games is coming to an end,” he noted. While he expressed gratitude for NetEase’s support in the search for a new publisher, he also highlighted the harsh reality of the current market, where few deals are being made, especially for projects of this scale.
Team Resilience and Community Support
In light of these challenges, Street reassured his team that they are actively exploring alternative funding avenues. “We’re doing everything we can to find a publisher or investor,” he stated, while also encouraging team members to seek other opportunities during this uncertain period. He extended his heartfelt thanks to the community and playtesters, acknowledging the invaluable advice received from numerous supporters on navigating the complexities of funding in today’s environment.
As the MMO landscape remains largely dominated by established titles, the potential loss of Ghost would be a significant setback for the genre. Street’s reflections on team morale were notably positive, as he remarked, “I know it’s cliché to say this, but demonstrably this is the best team I have ever worked with.” He emphasized the rigorous data collection practices in place, which have revealed high levels of team performance and satisfaction, making the past two years some of the most rewarding of his career.
Future Possibilities
In a follow-up communication, Street outlined two potential backup plans should they fail to secure a publisher. The first option involves a scaled-down version of Ghost, focusing on multiplayer sessions reminiscent of a fantasy-themed Helldivers or a brighter take on Elden Ring Nightreign. This alternative would require only half the budget and is already halfway complete, with the potential to evolve into a full MMO over time, similar to the trajectory of Warframe.
The second option would see Street offering his “fully staffed, global veteran team” to collaborate on other projects, showcasing the team’s adaptability and expertise. As the gaming community eagerly awaits further developments, the future of Ghost hangs in the balance, with fans hoping for a positive turnaround in the studio’s search for support.
For those closely following the evolution of Ghost, the PCGamesN community Discord server remains a vibrant space to discuss the latest in MMOs and share excitement for upcoming titles.
